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rying in spite of the noises of the watching crowd and the other people in the loges, that the disaffection began to spread. Some of the courtiers began restlessly to look at the sun. The queen leaned over and whispered to the king. He made some soothing answer, but Isabella, once alerted to a desire of her own, was difficult to quiet or divert. She replied pathetically, her hand going to her abdomen. John cast a glance of venomous dislike at his sister-in-law. If Isabella left, the ladies would go with her, even Alinor, and half his planned pleasure would be stolen. He had waited long and patiently to watch her as her husband fell. Isabella spoke again, her voice rising on a sob so that Alinor caught her final words. |
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" . . . silly sport, that you care nothing for the harm my hunger may do your heir. We will not speak of me! I do not matter! And do not tell me that you will have food brought. I ache from sitting so long on this hard bench. I know I do not matter, but" |
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John took her hand and patted it. His voice was an indistinguishable soothing purr as he spoke directly into his wife's ear, but the tone was unmistakable. Isabella subsided. Alinor stared unseeingly at the field, her small hope that Isabella would force her husband to declare the jousting at an end seemingly killed. However, it was immediately apparent that the queen had accomplished part of her purpose. John rose and signaled to a herald, who hurried over. Soon the trumpets blew, and word was called across the field that, owing to the lateness of the hour, all challenges "for valor" would be dismissed. Such matters might be as well settled in the melee the next day. Only those who had a real quarrel or a challenge for the king would be allowed to joust. |
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Through the announcement, Alinor sat quietly, apparently unmoved. She had heard what John ordered while his attention was on the herald, and her doubts and fears were now under control. Her mind squirreled |
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